Exclusion orders

On February 19, 1942, President Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, which allowed the military to exclude people from any location without a trial or hearing. While it did not name people of Japanese ancestry specifically, it was clearly aimed at them and was enforced accordingly. Under the authority of Executive Order 9066, General John DeWitt defined 108 exclusion areas throughout the West Coast, each containing approximately 1,000 Japanese Americans. The first exclusion orders were issued for Bainbridge Island, Washington on March 24, 1942. Orders were posted around town, informing all Japanese American residents of the impending mass removal. Individuals and families were given only one week to prepare. By the end of October 1942, all 108 exclusion orders had been issued, forcing over 110,000 Japanese Americans into concentration camps around the country.

Original caption: Sacramento, California. Scene in residential section of the Japanese quarter two days prior to evacuation. Note Civilian Exclusion Order posted on the telephone pole. Note also crated furniture on porch of corner house.

Original caption: The full caption for this photograph reads: San Francisco, California. In response to the Army's Exclusion Order Number 20, residents of Japanese ancestry appear at Civil Control Station at 2031 Bush Street for registration. The evacuees will be housed in War Relocation Authority centers for the duration.

Original caption: San Francisco, California. Civilian Exclusion Order Number 5, ordering evacuation of residents of Japanese ancestry, posted in a vacant store window on Grant Avenue in Chinatown. This establishment, like many others in Chinatown, was operated by proprietors of Japanese descent. Evacuees will be housed in War Relocation Authority centers for the duration.

This material is based upon work assisted by a grant from the Department of the Interior, National Park Service. Any opinions, finding, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of the Interior.

Prior to mass removal, exclusion areas were described in civilian exclusion orders posted by Lieutenant General John DeWitt of the Western Defense Command. Civilian Exclusion Area No. 79 included a portion of South King County, Washington. Maps detailing the prohibited area were also posted.

Original caption: San Francisco, California. Saturday afternoon shoppers reading order directing evacuation of persons of Japanese ancestry. This store on Grant Avenue in Chinatown was vacated by an art dealer of Japanese descent. Evacuees will be housed in War Relocation Authority centers for the duration.

This material is based upon work assisted by a grant from the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Department of the Interior.